Seahorse tattoo has many complex and diverse meanings. Although it is not a very popular choice, this unique animal is a beautiful idea for both men and women. According to the scientists, seahorses may be extinct in the next thirty years. So, a tattoo of this beautiful animal would be a great way to express your concern about this problem. Apart from all the meanings, it’s a beautiful animal that looks wonderful on the body. So, let’s take a more in-depth look at the seahorse tattoos.

Blue traditional seahorse tattoo on the left arm by Chris HoldLittle black geometric tattoo of a seahorse

Seahorse – an underrated creature

This calm and peaceful animal wanders through the seas with ease. Seahorse doesn’t swim fast but moves in a very delicate way. Because of this, feature, they became a symbol of patience and joy. They are happy where they are now and are in no hurry to get anywhere. This symbolical meaning is even stronger when you look at the evolution of the seahorse body. Since the oldest found fossils, the appearance of this animal stayed the same until today, which proves that they didn’t need any change.

Seahorse with a cosmic landscape on the right upper thigh by Sasha UnisexColorful, beautiful seahorse

Seahorses have a protective exoskeleton that helps them to survive in dangerous situations. Also, in case of danger, they can change their color. So, it may be a symbol of protection and defense. Their armor might remind us that sometimes we need to defend ourselves to avoid the danger. The change of the color is a reminder of adaptation to the most challenging situations.

Double seahorse tattoo on the armFloral seahorse tattoo on the forearm

Male seahorses are one of the few animals that raise their children. So, it can also be a great idea to honor your father. Also, an interesting fact that the seahorse also has another name – Hippocampus. The part of our brain where all our memory is stored also has the same name. Because of this, many people relate the seahorses as a symbol of their best memories.

Seahorse tattoo meaning

Generally, seahorses symbolize patience, protection, persistence, joy, and good luck. Although it may seem this animal is weak, the ancient Greeks saw it as a symbol of strength and power. In their mythology, the seahorses were in charge of drawing the Poseidon’s sea-chariot. So, often the seahorse is a symbol of Poseidon. But, in modern days, we may associate this animal with our inner strength rather than the actual power.

Black seahorse tattoo on the back of the arm by Sarah AkersFloral black seahorse tattoo on the right side

In Chinese culture, the seahorse also has magical powers. People believe that these animals can cure impotence and provide sexual vigor. As a result, the population of seahorses decreased, and now they are close to extinction.

Sailors consider the seahorse as a symbol of good luck. In the ancient times, people believed that seahorses carried the dead sailors’ souls to the underworld. Thus, they were also a symbol of a connection between the sea and the world of the dead.

Another meaning of seahorse is the idea of perception. Because of the powerful seahorse’s vision, each eye can move separately and gives a wide range of visibility. So, we can use this feature as a symbol of awareness of ourselves and the situations around us.

Seahorse tattoo ideas

Take a look at our collection of seahorses. We hope you’ll find a perfect idea for your tattoo. If you want something more unique, show these pictures to your tattooist. He will make something cool for you!

Watercolor seahorse tattoo on the right rib cageBeautiful black seahorse on the left upper armSeahorse and starfish tattoo on the right calfBlack dot-work style seahorse on the back of the neckSeahorse in two colorful triangles tattooCute tattoo of a blackwork style seahorseBlack seahorse tattoo on the left outer ankleTraditional seahorse by Jean le RouxColorful seahorse tattoo behind the right earRealistic black seahorse tattoo on the left arm by Diana SeverinenkoAnother stylized traditional seahorse on the back of the right armLittle seahorse on the left upper thighAnother small black seahorse on the right inner wristCute, watercolor seahorseSuper tiny outline seahorse on the left hipViolet watercolor seahorse on the left shinDotwork style black seahorse on the right forearmAnother watercolor tattoo of a seahorse on the armAbstract linear seahorse on the inner ankle